Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel aims to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, called the development a historic moment.
Recognition by Israel could encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing Somaliland's diplomatic credentials and access to international markets.
However, this decision has been condemned by the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who expressed their total rejection of Israel's announcement.
Abdullahi noted that Somaliland would seek to join the Abraham Accords, promoting regional and global peace.
Israel and Somaliland have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties, appoint ambassadors, and open embassies. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar declared that his ministry would act promptly to formalize these relations.
Meanwhile, Egypt's foreign minister held discussions with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti regarding this situation, reaffirming support for Somalia's unity and warning against unilateral actions that could destabilize the region.
This recognition not only affirms Israel's attempts to strengthen ties in the Middle East and Africa but also highlights Somaliland's strategic importance in the Gulf of Aden, as it seeks to engage with the international community after years of isolation.
